Fr. Shay Cullen » I Lived for Others

By Fr. Shay CUllen

The Christmas story of my childhood was one of sweetness and light. It was a story of the birth of baby Jesus. We learned of a helpless child in the manger surrounded by caring and loving parents and animals. The choir of angels was singing Hallelujah. I liked the three kings bringing gifts and outwitting Herod and enabling the Holy Family to escape into Egypt where there were refugees and asylum seekers. Would they be allowed into a western nation today, I wonder?

But the menace, evil and terrible abuse of power and the atrocities like the slaughter of the innocents by a power crazed king Herod was glossed over. I never learned the truth till later life that Jesus grew up to be a champion of human rights and a leader that tried to change the world form evil to good, hate to love, and bring us the true image of God as a loving father.

Today the bright lights and frenzy of Christmas shopping and New Year parties obscures the true meaning and challenge of Christmas. The reality of the slaughter of the innocent children by power crazy King Herod was an outrageous atrocity that is repeated everyday.

On Human Rights day on 10 December we ought to remember that it was Jesus of Nazareth who first asserted the human rights of the poor, the women, the children, the blind, the disabled, the exploited and accused. They are blessed, he said, and all who hunger for justice and a life of dignity too. Sadly he was ignored for centuries thereafter. His message has been betrayed and distorted all too often by those who profess to be his disciples.

There are hundreds of thousands of good people not all Christian but nevertheless inspired by these great universal values of the human person and they risk their lives to defend them. Human Rights are being assaulted and violated as never before, the unborn, the elderly, the disabled, the women and the children, the asylum seekers and the victims of torture. Millions are under the constant threat of a prearranged death penalty, hunger, disease, abortion, euthanasia and neglect.

They condemned them for being poor, illiterate, migrants and a burden to family and society and a nuisance, an inconvenience and an extra expense. These evils are not only in the developing world but the rich nations too. That’s why they have little concern for poor nations they have little concern for their own.

Hundreds of people and groups have put their Christianity and love of humanity into action in practical ways besides giving donations as many more will be doing this Christmas and New Year. They give us encouragement and inspire many people. They get involved in action for justice. There is the wonderful lady 92 years young who never stopped phoning politicians until they took action for children’s rights.

The retired bank executive who wrote to a tycoon and persuaded him to give a donation for the children rescued from brothels. Those who held a dinner dance for a new home for children. The church group that held a rally demanding the release of child prisoners and helped to save several.

The terrific Breaking Stones project to highlight the suffering of child workers and helped build a new home for children. The youth who came to visit the Children at Preda and now campaign at home for the children in brothels and prisons.

The College Board member who wanted uniforms and sports wear made by the Preda Fair Trade, not by sweat shops or child labour-like the GAP brand. He and his board want jobs for young girls rescued from brothels and prostitution.

All these initiatives and many more transform the people who do them and also the lives of hundreds of youth and children. Every person can get involved and give their Christmas gift to the world. “I lived not only for myself and family, for others too” and they will be blessed too. END

Contact Fr. Shay Cullen at the Preda Center, Upper Kalaklan, Olongapo City, Philippines.
e-mail: preda@info.com.ph